****the Pure Storm LTD Support Group****

I am loving Maxim Touch 16 at 58 on my PSL. Anyone else try this on their PSL? Very economical and feels and plays great, well to me atleast. I hit pretty hard and flat and can generate topspin as well as needed but this set-up is working well.

Just cos I hear so many great things about X1 Biphase , I would love to try out X1 Biphase and Maxim Touch 17 as well. Anyone wanna trade strings..

I got a chance to try out the full X1-Biphase 17 a little sooner than expected.

First impressions were very good. I can definitely feel a difference between the full bed and a hybrid setup. One thing I've been noticing is the consistency in how a string feels when you put it on a racquet, and how it feeds back into your arm when you play.

I had a heck of a time putting full X1-Biphase on because it's so stretchy. However, that is the best trait of multifilament. It had more "power" than say... Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex. I think this is do to the more "stretchy" nature of the string. It definitely plays a lot softer and more comfortable too.

I guess you can compare hybrid and full bed to racquet stiffnesses. The hybrid setup made my racquet feel like it had a higher stiffness rating. My serves were moving a lot faster but my groundies didn't have as much control. The full bed of X1 felt like my racquet had a lower stiffness rating and my groundies were more controlled but with less power. I did mention that X1 Biphase had more power than PSGD and even though PSGD is stiffer, I still hold to this.

As a closing note, X1-Biphase moves a lot, even after 1 hour of play. I don't know if this is normal for multifilament or if I did a bad job of stringing the mains. I did have a hard time getting the mains to tension consistently because this stuff stretches so darn much. I'll have to try to be more consistent next time to compare. I'm definitely going to stick with this string for a couple months.

The lower the tension, the more the strings will move. And, of course, the lower the tension the more power and less control you will get. I use Biphase at 57 lbs and strings don't move much, control is excellent and power is low. The Slice BH is a beauty. They key is to string as low as possible while retaining proper control. Will try 55 lbs myself.

The lower the tension, the more the strings will move. And, of course, the lower the tension the more power and less control you will get. I use Biphase at 57 lbs and strings don't move much, control is excellent and power is low. The Slice BH is a beauty. They key is to string as low as possible while retaining proper control. Will try 55 lbs myself.

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I actually strung up at 54lbs (biphase), even though I said I would go 55. I think 55 will work out better, just so the strings don't move so much.

I've put about 10-15 hours on my current bed of X1-Biphase 17 @ 54 and the strings are moving a LOT. I'm just going to ride this one out and see how long it takes to pop. The strings still feel comfortable and play well. I have a set of Biphase 18 that I'm going to try next.

As a side note, I've been looking at the Pure Storm. The specs on this racquet look more appealing to me than the LTD I'm using... mainly because the power level is a lot higher. I'm concerned about the 16x20 string pattern though and I wonder how this will play differently than the 18x20 LTD.

Another concern is the 3pt HL vs 8pt HL and what this will do to maneuverability. However, it IS almost 1 oz lighter. I think I should just demo one. There's too many variables to dissect here.

*edit* forget that comment about the Pure Storm demo; I must have been smoking crack. 18x20 is definitely the pattern that fits my game. I hate the way the ball trampolines off of 16x20 and 16x19 patterns since I don't normally hit with a lot of topspin. It just doesn't look as impressive as a ball hit with 18x20 that takes a more direct line, right over the net.

18x20, powerless and direct lines over the net provides just as much room for error as 16x19, powerful and looping over the net. I think the trade-off is giving your opponent less time to react to the ball vs a heavier looping ball with topsin on it. I prefer the scalpel and pinpoint precision.

Glad to hear you're sticking with 18x20. I've hit with the Pure Storm and there is no comparison to the great PSL! It felt like a toy. Forget it.

Regarding power, you can always get more by lowering your string tension. For me the absolutely only thing that could possibly make the PSL even better is increasing the stiffness a bit. So I've ordered a custom frame from Vantage Tennis with the exact same specs as the PSL except for a stiffness factor of 70. Should be here next week. Will report on how it goes.

From your description of the way you like to play, you're correct to forget about the Pure Storm demo. The Ltd plays like a smooth old skool stick while the Pure Storm is pure BABOLAT. That's not a bad thing as I used to own one but it does play totally different from the LTD.

One that you may like would be the storm tour. It's got a 16X20 pattern too but the control is nice and it creates a nice heavy ball. However, if you like the LTD, then I would stick with that.

They are currently strung with $7/set Head Rip Control 17 – 62 lbs on (1) and 64 lbs on (2) using an Eagnas machine. I’m getting 8 sets totaling 7 hours including warm-ups before breaking the cross first.

I have tried PSGD (nice for a three sets and then I want it out), Klip K-Boom (poly can’t hold tension after 2 sets), Klip Legend/PSGD hybrid (love it for 4 sets and then PSGD crosses drop off in tension). I like low powered crisp string beds and so far I’m impressed with Head Rip Control. It doesn’t move around much and holds tension remarkably well until it breaks.

Glad to hear you're sticking with 18x20. I've hit with the Pure Storm and there is no comparison to the great PSL! It felt like a toy. Forget it.

Regarding power, you can always get more by lowering your string tension. For me the absolutely only thing that could possibly make the PSL even better is increasing the stiffness a bit. So I've ordered a custom frame from Vantage Tennis with the exact same specs as the PSL except for a stiffness factor of 70. Should be here next week. Will report on how it goes.

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Sounds impressive! I'd have to agree a little on the stiffness. Sometimes it seems like the frame flexes a little too much on off-center shots.

From your description of the way you like to play, you're correct to forget about the Pure Storm demo. The Ltd plays like a smooth old skool stick while the Pure Storm is pure BABOLAT. That's not a bad thing as I used to own one but it does play totally different from the LTD.

One that you may like would be the storm tour. It's got a 16X20 pattern too but the control is nice and it creates a nice heavy ball. However, if you like the LTD, then I would stick with that.

I've got one coach that I hit with that plays low powered (but not junk) but takes everything insanely early. He's a nightmare to play against and he takes all your time away.

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I was really looking for something with a little more power, but sticking to 18x20 with swingweights below 310.

I love the extreme maneuverability of the LTD but it feels underpowered more often than I would like. I'm going to analyze the type of shots I'm returning, more intensely, on my next courting. It might just be that I'm wanting to hit an awesome line-drive on a ball that would be best hit with more angle and placement than drive. I might be taking the ball too late as well, leaving little room for offense without using a lot of energy.

I was really looking for something with a little more power, but sticking to 18x20 with swingweights below 310.

I love the extreme maneuverability of the LTD but it feels underpowered more often than I would like. I'm going to analyze the type of shots I'm returning, more intensely, on my next courting. It might just be that I'm wanting to hit an awesome line-drive on a ball that would be best hit with more angle and placement than drive. I might be taking the ball too late as well, leaving little room for offense without using a lot of energy.

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i totally feel you on this. this is why i am replacing the PSL with the PST! more power, and almost the same great feel! i say "almost" because it has a thicker beam and a bit more open stringbed.

in all honesty, though, i can't quite handle the PSL yet! i'm far too out of shape for this frame, but you can bet your bottom dollar that i'll be back with the PSL as my primary stick just as soon as i can lose some pounds.

i love that the Pure Storm Ltd rewards great technique! if you're fit, and you're a ball striker, look no further.

I went from the PDR to the PSL, and I can tell you that I hit the ball with as much power with the PSL as I did with the PDR. Right after I got the PSLs I measured my serve on radar and it was about 3-4mph less than the PDR. After a little adjustment time, I am now hitting the serve harder with the PSL. Groundstrokes were about the same as well, but I can actually hit more spin with the PSL than I did with the PDR.

Power has a lot more to do with technique than the frame. Admittedly the frame can make a difference and some frames are more powerful than others, but if you can find a frame to maximize your technique with, that will probably make more difference than finding a more powerful frame that doesn't really maximize your technique.

So if you're comfortable with your PSL then forget about the power in the frame and just go practice. That will make the most difference. If you really are uncomfortable with the frame, then I would say go ahead and get something else. Just make sure to demo and find a frame your really comfortable with so you can stick with it and focus on improving your play.

I went from the PDR to the PSL, and I can tell you that I hit the ball with as much power with the PSL as I did with the PDR. Right after I got the PSLs I measured my serve on radar and it was about 3-4mph less than the PDR. After a little adjustment time, I am now hitting the serve harder with the PSL. Groundstrokes were about the same as well, but I can actually hit more spin with the PSL than I did with the PDR.

Power has a lot more to do with technique than the frame. Admittedly the frame can make a difference and some frames are more powerful than others, but if you can find a frame to maximize your technique with, that will probably make more difference than finding a more powerful frame that doesn't really maximize your technique.

So if you're comfortable with your PSL then forget about the power in the frame and just go practice. That will make the most difference. If you really are uncomfortable with the frame, then I would say go ahead and get something else. Just make sure to demo and find a frame your really comfortable with so you can stick with it and focus on improving your play.

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that's some great insight Kevo. i do hit some great shots with the PSL. i'll give it another month and reevaluate. well played, sir.

Well, I'm still pummeling little fuzzy balls with the PSL and loving it. I've got my timing down on both sides now and couldn't ask for a better racquet. It's got amazing control and my arm never gets tired swinging this thing; even after 3+ hours.

I'm still looking for a little more power out of it, but I think I've found the solution (hence my posting). I just strung up with X1 Biphase 18 guage today and I can already tell the ball jumps off the string bed more lively than it did with the 17 guage version.

after 3 rounds of racquet demos (4 frames each), i'm still with my PSL. the only frame that really moved me to consider switching was the Dunlop 4D 200.

i switched from Gosen micro white 16 @ 63 lbs to Gosen micro natural 17 @ 58 lbs and i'm loving it! if i ever go back to that high of a tension, it'll have to be at least 17 gauge. 16 gauge just felt too "boardy." I'll probably go to 60 lbs with the 17g next time around. i'm much closer to finding my ideal gauge/tension setup.

but the good news is, i've found my holy grail, and it won't be long before i have my second PSL!

like i said in another thread, i can't stand the woofer grommet system! maybe i would like NXT string more if Babolats didn't have this. I kinda wish Bab would leave the comfort system mumbo-jumbo to the frames that are geared towards club players.

so with that being said, i can't recommend this stick to anyone unless they plan on customizing. If you want to keep the racquet, you've gotta find your ideal setup. it's just plain "too light" of a frame, with a very, very dense 18x20 pattern.

I just looked at my strings yesterday and noticed a nice, tight wear-pattern, located a little above dead-center. It spanned about 6 mains x 6 cross. I felt good to see such consistency and even better to know that I'm at home with this racquet.

I recently added some lead to the top of the frame. I didn't notice any improvement on pace with groundstrokes really. I did notice that playing against hard hit balls seemed a bit easier on the arm, but not much additional pace. I also only hit against one guy so far that I feel like it's much of an advantage against since most people at my level don't hit as hard as I do anyway.

The only thing right now that keeps me from taking it back off is the additional pop on the serve. I was raining down some absolute rocket first serves during my last match. I hit some aces that weren't even out of reach they just were too fast for my opponent to get his racquet on them.

The flip side to that is that my kick serves weren't always dropping in and I had more doubles than usual. I think that is something that I will be able to fix once I adjust to the additional swing weight.

I recently added some lead to the top of the frame. I didn't notice any improvement on pace with groundstrokes really. I did notice that playing against hard hit balls seemed a bit easier on the arm, but not much additional pace. I also only hit against one guy so far that I feel like it's much of an advantage against since most people at my level don't hit as hard as I do anyway.

The only thing right now that keeps me from taking it back off is the additional pop on the serve. I was raining down some absolute rocket first serves during my last match. I hit some aces that weren't even out of reach they just were too fast for my opponent to get his racquet on them.

The flip side to that is that my kick serves weren't always dropping in and I had more doubles than usual. I think that is something that I will be able to fix once I adjust to the additional swing weight.

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I hate how you have to increase the swingweight to get a more stable frame on hard hit balls, and I don't think there's any way around this! Love the PSL though. Just gotta fight your battles the right way with it.

I just had a chance to try Babolat Pure Storm Limited last week for 2 hours. It was strung with a hybrid of Xcel and Hurricane (don't know tension). I'm surprised that there is old-school classic feel in this modern frame. It feels very good in hand and also swings very light. IMO, it shares the similar characteristics of other tour racquets.

Feel on ball impact: like Wilson PS85, but not that stable
Power: like Head LM Radical Tour, very hard to hit power winners
Swingweight and stability: like Volkl PB10

Like several comments here, the PSL has stability issue on off-center shots. If this problem is fixed, it'd be perfect.

I hate how you have to increase the swingweight to get a more stable frame on hard hit balls, and I don't think there's any way around this!

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I think this is common to all frames to some degree or other. The critical factor to me is how hard your opponents are hitting the ball. I have only played a couple of people where the extra weight was what I would consider necessary. In all other cases I don't think it would really matter all that much except for mishits.

If you mishit a lot, then the weight will be beneficial for absorbing some of that shock. If you don't mishit that often, then the weight won't matter too much unless you are playing a big hitter. I think that if you move up to a high enough level, almost any stock frame would benefit from some additional weight. At least for most people.

The thing that keeps me gaining an ever better appreciation of the PSL is the control it has. I just love the fact that I can hit the ball really hard and get loads of spin and control even after adding the weight. It really is the best control stick I've played. There is plenty of room for me to improve my game with it, and I don't think there is any weak spot for this frame unless you want a frame that will provide power for you.

I recently added some lead to the top of the frame. I didn't notice any improvement on pace with groundstrokes really. I did notice that playing against hard hit balls seemed a bit easier on the arm, but not much additional pace. I also only hit against one guy so far that I feel like it's much of an advantage against since most people at my level don't hit as hard as I do anyway.

The only thing right now that keeps me from taking it back off is the additional pop on the serve. I was raining down some absolute rocket first serves during my last match. I hit some aces that weren't even out of reach they just were too fast for my opponent to get his racquet on them.

The flip side to that is that my kick serves weren't always dropping in and I had more doubles than usual. I think that is something that I will be able to fix once I adjust to the additional swing weight.

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how many inches of lead tape did you add to each side of the upper hoop? I'm thinking of experimenting with weight myself now that my indoor season is finished. Onto hardtru this week

I agree with your point about serving. This is the best serving stick I've handled in stock form. Flat, kick or slice varieties keep my opponents off balance. I credit the headlight balance and the manageable 335g static weight. Very well balanced as long as I have my legs under me.

I added 8g of lead to the head. I used 4 strips at 12 o'clock and 4 at 3 and 9 o'clock. I used 1/4 " lead tape, so I had the strips on both sides of the string. So there were 16 inches total at 12, and 8 inches at 3 and 9 each.

I did have a little soreness in my arm after my second match with the additional weight. I think I should have slowed down my schedule just a bit to give my body a little time to adjust, but I didn't. Everything seems fine now, so just take it a little slow at first if you end up adding a significant amount of weight.

Wouldn't that be more like 6 grams? As I remember 1/4 inch lead wights 1/4gm per inch, with a total of 24 inches. That is the same amount I added to my PSL, only at 2 and 10 evenly in 3 inch strips, evenly on each side and it doesn't feel that dramatic. I haven't hit with it yet, however...

...it doesn't feel that dramatic. I haven't hit with it yet, however...

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Let us know how you like it after a couple of hours of leaded play. My timing got thrown way off with lead, my arm hurt, and the beauty of the PSL (it's 8HL + 11.8 gram heft) was taken away. Some people love the lead though.

I feel the same about the ltd....for now at least, I just think it would ruin a beautifully made stick to add lead to the head. If I wanted a heavy ass stick that was even points, I would have gotten a k95team.

i totally feel you on this. this is why i am replacing the PSL with the PST! more power, and almost the same great feel! i say "almost" because it has a thicker beam and a bit more open stringbed.

in all honesty, though, i can't quite handle the PSL yet! i'm far too out of shape for this frame, but you can bet your bottom dollar that i'll be back with the PSL as my primary stick just as soon as i can lose some pounds.

i love that the Pure Storm Ltd rewards great technique! if you're fit, and you're a ball striker, look no further.

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You make a great point. I've gotten in great shape this year, and I think I've "outgrown" my K6.1 95 (16x18).

I played with this stick last night (1 set of singles and 5 dbls), and wow. I was in heaven.

I tried the KBlade Tour, but this one seems to have a bit more pop (for me). Maybe it's just a tad lighter, and slightly more open than the 93sq in frame.

Good observation, and one that I probably couldn't notice without your explicit commentary.

Do you guys think that this stick is too light for guys on tour to play with it? I think I only know of 1 player (I want to say R. Bopanna, a doubles guy), that I've seen play with this stick.

Makes sense since you can carve some things up with it at the net....

Still though, seems like a good stick for the all around payer. I suppose there aren't that many "all arounders" who don't already have a stick..?

What do you guys think?

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Honestly, probably not enough power to be tour. I think people hail it as a S/V stick, but at that level, the Pro Staff would probably be a better option.

Great choice for those who can't wield a 12oz+ stick. I think we represent a very small population that enjoys ultra headlight racquets with low swingweights. If I was more competitive and in better shape, I would switch to a K90 or K88.

it's really a nice thing to see more and more PSL loyalists out there!

for anyone who has yet to try lead, go out and grab some 1/4 oz. fishing weights from wal-mart (the egg shaped ones) and throw two (2) in the buttcap (hehe) and give it a dry swing. this will add a half ounce, and put you at about 12.3 oz. you'll find that the PSL swings much easier than stock, and can handle a heavy ball with more ease. give it a try! i'm loving this setup! while you out getting fishing weights, pick up the 1/8 oz bag of weights in case you find the 1/4 oz ones to be too heavy.

for some reason, i can't stand putting lead in the hoop! i wish there was another way to add lead the top half of the frame. whenever i try lead at 3 and 9, it takes so much feel away from the stringbed! i know i'm not dreaming, because i've seriously tried this about 10 times. the LAST time was this past weekend. i won't ever go back to lead in the hoop (on this frame, anyway) ever again.

also, i recommend buying an inexpensive stringing machine! i just picked up a Gamma X-2 last week and i've been able to try so many different string setups and tensions, and i'm getting very, very close to my ideal setup. hey, it's even shown be that no matter how soft the poly, i just can't play with it! i don't have a fast enough swing, so it's syn guts, multis for me. and best of all, i'm saving a ton of money in labor costs.

i forgot to mention. just pop the buttcap open, put two 1/4 oz weights on (let them rest on the staples) and swing it around the house. if it feels like something you may like, wrap them in cotton, and jam 'em in there at try it on the court!